Gardai offer advice to Limerick students on how to protect their personal safety
GARDAI in Limerick have offered advice to students on how to protect their personal safety as they start their college journey.
Sergeant Ber Leetch, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street garda station offered advice to students on a number of topics including navigating their new surroundings.
"As first year students begin their college life the main security advice is to get to know the geography of the campus as soon as they can.
"Find out about public transport timetables, where you can park vehicles or bikes securely. Learn how to contact the campus security and the local garda station.
"College life should be about experiencing new things but remember when you are going out to make a plan and be streetwise. Go out with a number of people and stay with them especially if they or you have had a few drinks.
"It is a good idea to upload emergency contacts onto your phone and activate find my phone on your device".
Sergeant Leetch also gave advice for keeping phones secure, which includes knowing the International Mobile Equipment Identity number.
"Our phones are very important to us so keep a record of your phones IMEI number, you can find this by dialing *#06#, a bar code appears and this is the phones IMEI.
"Screen shot it and send it to another device for safekeeping. If your phone is lost or stolen and you have the IMEI number, you can provide it to your service provider and they can lock down your phone.
"This means your data or images cannot be accessed and the phone cannot be sold on as it cannot be opened".
Gardai have issued drug awareness advice for students as part of their Rise Above The Influence programme.
Sergeant Leetch said: "Starting in college is the beginning of something good in your life so do not let drug use end your career before it starts.
"If you use drugs such as Cannabis, Cocaine, Ketamine or MDMA, you are committing a criminal offence and risking addiction, loss of career opportunities, under-achievement and international travel restrictions.
"Gardai strive to keep people safe but we also believe that you can help keep yourself safe. Contact the emergency services if you become ill after consuming a drug or are in the presence of somebody who may be ill.
"Rise above the influence message is simple. Your future is in your hands. Seek out positive influences on campus. Choose the influences that will enhance your future career.
"Make responsible decisions for yourself, do not become another victim of the drug trade. As well as addiction drug use can lead to debt, prison and the destruction of your physical and mental health. You do not know what you are taking -you do not know where it will take you".